How do I add users using Python scripts on a Linux machine

[Ravi Teja]

Ivan Voras wrote:
> Ramdas wrote:
> > Well,
> >
> > I need to add users from a web interface for a web server, which runs
> > only Python. I need to add users, set quotas and in future even look at
> > managing ip tables to limit bandwidth.
> >
> > I know os.system(), but this has to be done through a form entry
> > through a web interface.
> >
> > Anyways thanks, do advise if there more pythonic solutions
>
> What you're looking for is actually a pretty complex thing. You *could*
> in theory manage /etc/passwd (and its "shadow" file) - you can find
> crypto primitives like MD5 and DES on the 'net, but note that you must
> run your script under the 'root' account in order to write (and even
> read!) the passwd database. The same goes for using os.system and the
> built-in OS utility. Be aware of security implications if you're running
> your web server under the root account.

How about invoking scripts with SUID root set?